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Powys County Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Ian Botham criticises ‘appalling' Taunton pitch after game ends inside two days
Lord Botham criticised the 'appalling' pitch former county Somerset produced for their Rothesay County Championship clash against Durham which ended inside five sessions. Somerset coach Jason Kerr hailed the 'incredible surface…arguably the best we've had this year' after his side wrapped up a five-wicket victory to boost their hopes of a first ever Division One title. But Botham begged to differ after posting photos of a heavily-used strip ahead of the contest, where 22 wickets fell on Tuesday and which was over just before 4pm on Wednesday. Before a ball is bowled… As an ex Somerset player I find this appalling… at a time when County Cricket is under pressure for relevance as a breeding ground for InternationalPlayers and Somerset members have apparently voted for the status quo, the club produces this pitch.… — BeefyBotham (@BeefyBotham) July 23, 2025 It is understood the match referee rated the pitch 'below average' and Somerset could now face a points deduction by the cricket regulator, which operates separately to the England and Wales Cricket Board. Botham said on X on Wednesday night: 'Before a ball is bowled… As an ex Somerset player I find this appalling.' Botham has a chequered history with Somerset, where he started his extraordinary cricket career in 1974 before leaving acrimoniously 12 years later when the club sacked Viv Richards and Joel Garner. He has a stand named after him at Taunton but is now honorary president at Durham, where the former England all-rounder finished his playing career and served as the club's chair until earlier this year. The 69-year-old's rebuke also included a reference to Somerset's wish to keep the status quo of 14 championship matches next year, at a time when the counties are debating changes to the calendar. Durham are among the clubs who wish to reduce the red-ball season to a dozen matches – backed by the Professional Cricketers' Association – in a bid to improve standards across the competition. Botham added: 'At a time when County Cricket is under pressure for relevance as a breeding ground for International Players and Somerset members have apparently voted for the status quo, the club produces this pitch. These are not first class cricket conditions in midsummer. 'Durham raised serious concerns the day before the game started… change is needed…both Somerset and Durham have high quality batsmen… Somerset do not need to do this… reduces the game to a farce.' The last 18 wickets of the game fell to spin, with Jack Leach claiming six for 63 and Archie Vaughan – son of former England captain Michael – four for 85 after opening the bowling to turn the game in Somerset's favour. But Kerr argued 400 runs being scored on the opening day – where seamer Craig Overton took six wickets – highlighted there was something for everyone. 'I thought it was an incredible surface, I spoke to Nick (Pepper, Somerset's head groundsperson) and it was arguably the best surface we've had this year,' Kerr said at his post-match press conference. 'There was something in it for the seamers and a little bit in it for the spinners from the foot holes of an existing game earlier in the year. 'There was some really poor cricket from both sides and some incredible bowling.'
New York Times
7 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Liam Dawson and the England comeback he thought would never happen
It was early last year that Liam Dawson made a definitive statement on his England future. 'For me, Test cricket is now completely off the radar,' said the then 34-year-old all-rounder. 'I want to enjoy my cricket and try to win trophies towards the end of my career.' There was no wiggle room from a consummate county professional who was not known for big public pronouncements in the few press conferences he gave in an England career spent mainly on the periphery. Absolutely no doubt in his mind. Advertisement So the sight of Dawson punching the air in delight when he took the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal with the seventh ball of his comeback at Old Trafford, almost exactly eight years since his last Test wicket, was an unlikely and hugely satisfying one for England. Not since Dawson dismissed South Africa's Hashim Amla at Trent Bridge — with the help of a review — on the last of his three Test appearances, 2,928 days and 102 Tests ago, had he enjoyed the feeling of taking a wicket for England in the ultimate form of the game. He was resigned, at 35, to never having that feeling again, had accepted that those three Tests and 20 white-ball appearances were the limit of his England involvement and was happy to concentrate on Hampshire and the franchise opportunities that came his way. It was when Dawson turned down Rob Key's invitation to tour India at the start of 2024 after the best summer of his county life that a line appeared to be drawn. Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and an unknown youngster from Somerset called Shoaib Bashir were all picked instead to carry the spin bowling load in the subcontinent and Dawson headed to the Big Bash in Australia, the South Africa T20 and the ILT20 in the UAE. Not that Key, the managing director of England cricket, was offended by Dawson's reluctance to tour. He understood that a nearly man who had been chosen in the squad or as a travelling reserve in three World Cups, including the triumphant 2019 campaign on home soil, without playing a game had had enough of making up the numbers. Dawson was convinced he would yet again be on the sidelines in India and had no regrets about his decision even when he saw fellow slow left-armer Hartley take seven wickets on debut in England's win in Hyderabad. It could easily have been him. 'It's not something I want to be doing, running drinks at my age anymore,' said Dawson at the end of that winter. 'I was really happy with what I chose.' But things began to change when Brendon McCullum took over as England white-ball coach and lured Dawson out of international exile by including him in the three-match T20 series against West Indies this summer. McCullum had seen Dawson surpass even his 2023 season in domestic cricket last year when he passed 50 wickets in the County Championship for the first time and, for good measure, scored 956 runs for Hampshire at an average of just under 60. He wanted him back in the set-up for a reasonably low-key series so he could have a closer look. Advertisement McCullum liked what he saw and, having seen Dawson take four for 20 in the first match against West Indies in Durham, decided he would be the next spinner in line for a Test place ahead of the centrally-contracted Leach and Ahmed. It took an injury to Bashir, who broke a finger during England's victory at Lord's, for Dawson's comeback to be complete, England making a pragmatic selection for the fourth Test that went against their Bazball instincts and gave hope to all county achievers. 'I've known Daws for a long time,' said England captain Ben Stokes before a match where England can wrap up this series against India with a game to play. 'I know the cricketer he is and what goes under the radar is his competitiveness. He has earned this call-up on the back of all his hard work at Hampshire and around the world in various leagues. He's a quality cricketer and a very, very competitive one.' As Dawson showed when he finally got the red ball in his hand again. Stokes had kept him waiting until the 39th over for his first bowl against India in Test cricket since his debut at the end of 2016 in Chennai when the hosts rattled up 759 for seven and Dawson took two for 129. Dawson quickly made up for lost time when he had Jaiswal playing for turn that was not there from a left-arm spinner who relies more on control and drift than sharp movement and edged to Harry Brook at slip. Cue that run of delight for Dawson closely followed by his team-mates. Liam Dawson takes his FIRST Test wicket in eight years! 🏴🙌 — Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 23, 2025 That control has largely been lacking from England's spinner since Stokes and McCullum decided Bashir had the qualities to succeed in Australia this winter and vowed to give him an extended run in the side despite his inexperience. Dawson had it in his first spell of 7-0-21-1 and continued to probe away while Stokes was able to attack with his seamers, keeping his head when Shubman Gill twice tried to get after him and when Rishabh Pant hit him just wide of Stokes at mid-off. He finished with figures of one for 45 from 15 overs as India moved to 264 for four, Pant being forced to retire hurt and head to hospital for a scan after suffering a nasty blow on the foot from Chris Woakes. 'I'd said to a few people that, the age I was at, I probably thought Test cricket had gone but to be back involved is really cool and I've got to enjoy each day I get,' said Dawson. 'Test cricket is completely different to domestic level so getting that wicket was a great release. 'I knew what to expect coming back a second time. I'm probably more consistent now and understand pitches a little more. I've bowled a lot of overs the last few years and I feel I'm a better bowler than I was. But it's one wicket. I've done nothing special. Tomorrow is a big day.' Advertisement They may be tidy rather than outstanding figures but there is no doubt England look stronger with the all-round package of Dawson in their team ahead of the callow Bashir. The question is whether he does enough in Manchester and in the final Test at the Oval to convince England to change their Ashes plans. And if Bashir remains first choice in Australia, Dawson could face the dilemma of deciding whether he is prepared to travel as reserve to potentially carry the drinks again. For now Dawson is back doing what he never thought he would be again. And that is cause for celebration for England and all those in county cricket who felt Bazball had passed them by. Click here to read more cricket stories on The Athletic, and follow Global Sports on The Athletic app via the Discover tab.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: The great county cricket carve-up - radical plans to revamp Championship and T20 Blast, smaller counties make push for white-ball riches and players hit back at chaotic schedule
County cricket faces a radical overhaul under plans to enlarge the Championship and shrink the T20 Blast, as opponents warn of a dilution of quality. Despite a quintet of leading clubs including champions Surrey being in favour of the Championship's top flight being cut from 10 teams to eight to ensure it lives up to its elite billing, there are plans under discussion to make Division One a 12-team competition.
News18
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Jack Russell, Ex-England Keeper-Turned-Painter: 'Probably Earned More Money...'
Last Updated: Former England cricketer Jack Russell, now a painter, paints daily, often cricket-themed works, and sells globally. Painting portraits in an upscale area of London, former England wicketkeeper-batter Jack Russell remains as quirky as he was during his cricketing days. Russell maintains a social media presence to promote his paintings globally, but he avoids phones and isn't on WhatsApp. The best way to contact him is via email, and the most likely place for an in-person meeting is the Chris Beetles Gallery in central London. At 61, Russell was known for his unconventional batting stance and wearing sunglasses on the field. Behind the stumps, he donned a worn-out hat like it was part of him, and his quick hands secured his place among England's finest wicketkeepers. Over 20 years after retiring from county cricket, Russell stays connected to the game through his paintings. A visit to the gallery on Ryder Street offers cricket enthusiasts a nostalgic experience. With many of his followers being Indian, Russell recently painted a portrait of Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play for England. 'Just every year I try and paint somebody from history. Last year I did ex England captain Douglas Jardine, a very controversial character from the Ashes. 'This year I chose Ranjitsinhji, one reason being the rich history of the man. If you study him and look at his career, he's a colourful character, stroke player, a bit of a trailblazer. It is one of my favourites in the exhibition. 'With India and England playing currently, I thought it was the right time to do it," Russell was quoted as saying to PTI. What Does Jack Russell Like More – Cricket Or Painting? Talking to Russell, one feels that he loves cricket, but painting more. 'I retired from England cricket in 1998 and I retired from County Cricket in 2004, so over 20 years now, it's gone quickly, but very busy just painting. It's the only skill I've got left, so I just paint every day. That's what I do. That's my job. So I just paint, paint, paint. I have been doing it for about 35-36 years now. That is longer than my playing days," Russell said. Growing up, Russell always had an interest in art, but he only started painting seriously during rain breaks in cricket games in England, often frustrating his teammates. Although not motivated by money, some of his work from the 2019 Ashes series has sold for as much as 25,000 pounds. Has he made more money as an artist than a cricketer? 'Yeah, I think so, because in those days, we got pretty well paid, but it's not what they get paid now. These guys now, if you play for England for five or 10 years, then you shouldn't have to work again. If you're careful with your money, you'll be fine. 'But I don't do it for the money. I do it for the addiction and the love. But yeah, I probably earned more money now painting than I did playing. I'm just so lucky to have two jobs that I love doing. 'And even if I had to have another job and paint pictures, I would do it. But luckily, because people buy my pictures all over the world, it allows me to keep painting and I don't have to get a proper job." Russell toured India twice, first for the Nehru Cup in 1989 and again for the 1996 World Cup. He hasn't returned since. He considers his painting of the Brabourne Stadium during an exhibition game among his best work. 'I loved India and Pakistan. I had such great time on the days off. You know, we could go off then and do your own thing. I'd go down to the local market and sketch local people. 'At various points, I had people knocking on my hotel room door asking to be painted. And I used to sit in a restaurant at night and get my canvases out and paint people sitting in restaurants, and musicians and things, and the local landscape. 'I used to pain on the street with my England shirt but got moved on by the police which is fair enough as it caused bit of a problem. 'I could spend the rest of my life there. I just had such a great time painting in India and Pakistan. And I did some nice stuff in South Africa," Russell said, fondly recalling interactions with Sachin Tendulkar and Javagal Srinath, his teammate at Gloucestershire. 'He could bowl quick," Russell remarked about Srinath. Is Jack Russell Still Following Cricket? Russell likes to stay updated on cricket. If he's not at the ground, he follows live scores. Despite painting daily, he visited Lord's for the third Test between India and England. 'I have probably watched more of this series than I should have done because I should have been painting pictures of people. But it's been quite enthralling." As a wicketkeeper, he enjoys discussing his peers and has advice for Jamie Smith and Rishabh Pant. 'There's been so many good wicketkeepers out there. I would say in my time, Alan Knott and Bob Taylor were my two heroes. 'But I used to like watching Syed Kirmani. I watched him a lot when I was younger. I thought he was a good keeper." Regarding current wicketkeepers, Russell said, 'Rishabh Pant, you've got to watch him play. You've got to, whether he's batting or keeping wicket, you've just got to watch the guy. So he's an entertainer. 'And it's great to see that he's back playing cricket too (after the car accident). I think the young lad, Jamie Smith, I think he will end up being England's greatest ever batsman wicketkeeper of all time because the guy has got a lot of skill. 'He's a big guy, but he's quite agile. And his batting is so strong. I mean, you could put him into Gilchrist bracket, the way he hits the ball." Does Pant have any weaknesses in wicketkeeping? 'He's going to make mistakes because there are technically things that need to iron out. But he'll do brilliant things and he'll make mistakes as well, but most keepers do. 'But keeping in England is quite a difficult place to get wickets. So he's not going to be perfect here, but his batting is so strong. 'There's some work he needs to do (in wicket-keeping), standing up to the stumps, only minor adjustments. I'm going to tell him if he asks me. But they're small things and they're probably just small mental things about vision and what balls to expect where," Russell concluded before returning to his passion for painting. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : India vs England Jack Russell Off The Field view comments Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: July 16, 2025, 19:34 IST News cricket Jack Russell, Ex-England Keeper-Turned-Painter: 'Probably Earned More Money...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. 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NDTV
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Sachin Tendulkar's Ex-Rival Is Now A Painter In London, Says: "Earned More Money Now Than I Did Playing"
Busy painting portraits in a posh locality of London, former England wicketkeeper-batter Jack Russell remains as eccentric as he was in his playing days. Russell, who has featured in matches against India involving Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Mohammad Azharuddin, does have a presence on social media as he needs to promote his paintings to his followers around the world after all, but he doesn't do phones and is not on whatsapp either. Jack Rusell's international career spanned from 1988 to 1998, during which time he played 54 Tests and 40 ODIs. The only way to reach him is via email and the most likely venue for an in-person meeting is the Chris Beetles Gallery in the heart of London. The 61-year-old was known for his unconventional batting stance and also had his sunglasses on in the middle. Behind the stumps, he wore a worn out hat as if it was an extension of his body and his lightening quick hands safely put him in the list of England's finest wicketkeepers. More than 20 years after his retirement from county cricket, Russell remains strongly connected to the game via his paintings. A visit to the gallery on Ryder Street would take a cricket purist to a trip down the memory lane. As a large chunk of his followers are Indians, Russell recently painted a portrait of Ranjitsinhji, the first Indian to play for England. "Just every year I try and paint somebody from history. Last year I did ex England captain Douglas Jardine, a very controversial character from the Ashes. "This year I chose Ranjitsinhji, one reason being the rich history of the man. If you study him and look at his career, he's a colourful character, stroke player, a bit of a trailblazer. It is one of my favourites in the exhibition. "With India and England playing currently, I thought it was the right time to do it," says Russell in an interview to PTI. In a detailed conversation with Russell, one gets a feeling that Russell loves cricket but not as much as painting. "I retired from England cricket in 1998 and I retired from County Cricket in 2004, so over 20 years now, it's gone quickly, but very busy just painting. It's the only skill I've got left, so I just paint every day. That's what I do. That's my job. So I just paint, paint, paint. "I have been doing it for about 35-36 years now. That is longer than my playing days," says Russell. Growing up, Russell was always inclined to art but it was only during rain breaks of cricket games in England that he started painting with more purpose, most of the times at the expense of his irritated teammates. Russell is not in it for the money but some of his work from the 2019 Ashes series have been sold for as much as 25000 pounds. Is it fair to say that he has made more money as an artist than as a cricketer? "Yeah, I think so, because in those days, we got pretty well paid, but it's not what they get paid now. These guys now, if you play for England for five or 10 years, then you shouldn't have to work again. If you're careful with your money, you'll be fine. "But I don't do it for the money. I do it for the addiction and the love. But yeah, I probably earned more money now painting than I did playing. I'm just so lucky to have two jobs that I love doing. "And even if I had to have another job and paint pictures, I would do it. But luckily, because people buy my pictures all over the world, it allows me to keep painting and I don't have to get a proper job." I could paint all day in India Russell toured India twice, first time for the Nehru Cup in 1989 before he returned for the 1996 World Cup. He has not gone back to India since then. He counts his painting of the Brabourne Stadium during an exhibition game among his best work. "I loved India and Pakistan. I had such great time on the days off. You know, we could go off then and do your own thing. I'd go down to the local market and sketch local people. "At various points, I had people knocking on my hotel room door asking to be painted. And I used to sit in a restaurant at night and get my canvases out and paint people sitting in restaurants, and musicians and things, and the local landscape. "I used to pain on the street with my England shirt but got moved on by the police which is fair enough as it caused bit of a problem. "I could spend the rest of my life there. I just had such a great time painting in India and Pakistan. And I did some nice stuff in South Africa," says Russell who still cherishes his interactions with Sachin Tendulkar and Javagal Srinath, his teammate at Gloucestershire. "He could bowl quick," says Russell of the former Indian fast bowler. Smith could become England's greatest wicketkeeper, Pant too is exciting Russell likes to keep a track of what is happening in the cricketing world. If he is not at the ground, he follows live scores. Though he is painting every day, Russell took out time to visit Lord's for the third Test between India and England. "I have probably watched more of this series than I should have done because I should have been painting pictures of people. But it's been quite enthralling." Being a wicketkeeper himself, he loves talking about his tribe and also has an advice for the likes of Jamie Smith and Rishabh Pant. "There's been so many good wicketkeepers out there. I would say in my time, Alan Knott and Bob Taylor were my two heroes. "But I used to like watching Syed Kirmani. I watched him a lot when I was younger. I thought he was a good keeper." What about the current lot of stumpers? "Rishabh Pant, you've got to watch him play. You've got to, whether he's batting or keeping wicket, you've just got to watch the guy. So he's an entertainer. "And it's great to see that he's back playing cricket too (after the car accident). I think the young lad, Jamie Smith, I think he will end up being England's greatest ever batsman wicketkeeper of all time because the guy has got a lot of skill. "He's a big guy, but he's quite agile. And his batting is so strong. I mean, you could put him into Gilchrist bracket, the way he hits the ball." Any chinks do you see in Pant's wicket keeping? "He's going to make mistakes because there are technically things that need to iron out. But he'll do brilliant things and he'll make mistakes as well, but most keepers do. "But keeping in England is quite a difficult place to get wickets. So he's not going to be perfect here, but his batting is so strong. "There's some work he needs to do (in wicket-keeping), standing up to the stumps, only minor adjustments. I'm going to tell him if he asks me. But they're small things and they're probably just small mental things about vision and what balls to expect where," says Russell before signing off and moving on to what he loves most.
